The board of directors of Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County has announced the appointment of Candace D. Silas as the organization’s new executive director and CEO.
Silas brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in program administration, workforce development and community support services. For the past eight years, she has worked at Lincoln Land Community College, serving as director of the Workforce Empowerment Initiative, the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program and several other programs. Silas has also overseen multimillion-dollar grant initiatives supporting educational access, equity and student success.
Prior to LLCC, Silas spent more than two decades at the Springfield Urban League, where she led key workforce and community empowerment initiatives.
“Candace’s deep ties to the Springfield community, combined with her proven leadership in grant management, program development and cross-sector partnerships, make her uniquely equipped to advance Habitat’s mission,” said Teresa Haley, president of the board of directors. “We are excited for her vision and energy as she leads Habitat Sangamon County into its next chapter.”
As executive director, Silas will provide strategic leadership for Habitat’s affordable housing programs, ReStore operations, and volunteer and donor engagement initiatives. She will also focus on expanding partnerships and resources to increase the organization’s impact in Sangamon County.
Silas said she has a passion for the organization’s mission.
“Habitat is more than houses – it’s about building hope, strengthening families and transforming communities. I am honored to join this incredible team of staff, volunteers and supporters. Together, we’ll expand Habitat’s impact across Sangamon County – because with faith, partnership and hard work, it’s up from here.”
This article appears in SBJ September 2025.